“I couldn’t believe what Bob was telling me on the phone, that Jonas Folger has decided not to race the 2018 MotoGP season, because he doesn’t feel 100 per cent mentally and physically recovered.

“It is still very difficult for me to believe, that he’s not going to race with us in 2018, especially because he has been somebody I had lot of faith in and I was sure we would reach top level together this year.

“I completely respect his decision, although it’s hard to swallow.”

Folger celebrating his second place with his Tech 3 team. Pic: Yamaha RacingSource: Supplied

Tech 3 now has to find a replacement rider — and at very short notice.

Three different riders filled in for Folger at the end of 2017: Yamaha test rider Kohta Nozane; Australian Broc Parkes, who rides for Yamaha’s Endurance World Championship team; and Yamaha World Superbike rider Michael van der Mark. Alex Lowes has also filled in at Tech 3 in recent years.

“I will try to find a solution for a replacement rider, which is a very difficult mission, as all of the fast riders are already contracted,” Poncharral said.

“But as always in racing we need to be proactive, inventive and hopefully we can make someone very happy.

“We will keep all of you informed about the evolution of the situation.”